Historians reassess Broken Hill Picnic Train Attack as act of personal vengeance not terrorism

Historians are re-evaluating the 1915 Picnic Train Attack in Broken Hill, which killed four people. Some experts argue it should not be labeled as Australia's first terrorist attack, suggesting it was more about personal vengeance than political motives. The attack involved two men shooting at a train filled with 1,200 passengers. While often described as a terrorist act, local historians emphasize that the context of the event, including personal grievances, is overlooked by such labels. An exhibition at the Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum has sparked renewed interest in the attack. Historians stress the importance of understanding the complexities of the event rather than simplifying it to fit modern definitions of terrorism.